TITLE: Mavericks Seek Trade Partner for Olivier-Maxence Prosper to Clear Space for Dante Exum Deal
SLUG: mavericks-shopping-olivier-maxence-prosper-cap-space-dante-exum
CONTENT:
The Dallas Mavericks have stepped up efforts to free cap space so they can finalize a previously agreed-upon contract with free-agent guard Dante Exum, league sources told The Stein Line.
Mavs working below the second apron
Dallas is hard-capped at the $207.8 million second apron after using the taxpayer mid-level exception on D’Angelo Russell, leaving only $1.6 million of room. Exum’s veteran minimum salary would count $2.3 million against the cap, forcing the club to shed additional money.
The front office is focusing on moving forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the No. 24 pick in the 2023 draft, who is owed $3 million this season and has struggled to earn rotation minutes. Dallas is offering cash considerations or one of its two remaining tradeable second-round picks (2030 Philadelphia or 2032 Dallas) to facilitate a deal, according to the report.
If no trade materializes, the Mavericks could waive and stretch Prosper before Friday, spreading his cap hit over three seasons at roughly $1 million per year.
Timberwolves name Matthew Caldwell CEO
The Minnesota Timberwolves have hired Matthew Caldwell as chief executive officer, effective Sept. 2. New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez awarded Caldwell a 10-year contract to guide business operations and strategic planning for the Timberwolves, WNBA Lynx, and G League Iowa Wolves.
Caldwell previously led the NHL’s Florida Panthers, who recently secured back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and earned the 2025 Sports Business Journal Team of the Year honor.
ESPN panel tabs Jokic early 2026 MVP favorite
An ESPN panel of insiders projects Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic as the front-runner for the 2026 NBA Most Valuable Player award. Dallas star Luka Doncic was listed second, with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander third.
Other early predictions from the panel include Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year, while Alex Caruso and Naz Reid received the most support for Sixth Man of the Year.
Jokic, a three-time MVP with two NBA Finals appearances in the past five years, enters the coming seasons poised to add to his growing list of accolades.
Source: Hoops Wire
